“BREAKING: Elite 5‑Star Tacoma Forward Oliviyah Edwards Chooses South Carolina Over LSU, Tennessee & Texas in A Stunning Commitment That Redefines Dawn Staley’s Recruiting Legacy and Signals National Title Ambitions for Gamecock Women’s Basketball”
Columbia, SC — In a dramatic recruiting victory that has sent shockwaves through the women’s college basketball world, five-star power forward Oliviyah Edwards—a 6-foot-3 turbo-athlete from Tacoma, Washington’s Elite Sports Academy—has officially committed to South Carolina, choosing the Gamecocks over powerhouse programs like LSU, Tennessee, and Texas . The news marks a milestone in Coach Dawn Staley’s already storied recruiting career, signaling that the Gamecocks aren’t just defending champions—they’re building for sustained national dominance.
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🌟 Edwards’ Elite Profile
669-1Top-tier talent: A five-star recruit ranked among the top 10 nationally in the 2026 class by On3 .
1043-0Explosive athleticism: Known for her rare ability to dunk in high school, vertical leaping, and wing-length versatility, she offers a rare blend of size and agility on both ends of the floor .
1278-0Versatile impact: Equally comfortable boxing out under the rim, stretching defenses with her jumper, or chasing smaller guards in transition—the full modern forward skill set .
1493-0Edwards stood out at the Gamecocks’ recent unofficial visit during the home game vs. LSU, leaving a strong impression on both coaching staff and fans .
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📣 The Heart of the Decision
In her reveal, Edwards emphasized culture, fit, and shared vision:
> **“South Carolina felt like home. Coach Staley and the staff didn’t just court me—they connected with me.”**
Her decision isn’t just about diagrams and playing time—it’s about alignment with a program that champions empowerment, development, and championship ambition.
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🏆 What This Means for Gamecock Women’s Basketball
1. 1678-3Reinforced Big 3-Year Classes: Edwards joins an already elite recruiting trio—alongside Agot Makeer (2025) and Ayla McDowell (2026)—positioning South Carolina as the undeniable leader in current class rankings .
2. SEC Stamp of Dominance: By winning recruiting battles over rivals Tennessee and LSU, the Gamecocks have solidified their grip atop the Southeastern Conference elite.
3. 2378-1Redefined Power Forward Prototype: Edwards’ athletic versatility fits seamlessly into South Carolina’s positionless, high-energy style under Staley—building a blueprint for future recruits .
4. Destined for Glory: With Edwards in the frontcourt, South Carolina enters the next season as not just contenders, but futures to challenge for—and potentially win—the national title.
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💬 Voices of Excitement and Recognition
Dawn Staley said, “Oliviyah is the future of this game. What she brings in spirit, size, and athletic gift is unparalleled.”
2781-2On3’s Kevin Miller praised the commitment as a “massive win,” highlighting Edwards’ unique combination of athleticism and skill .
Gamecock fans, converged online and in Columbia’s Colonial Life Arena, greeted the news with excitement, hashtags like #EdwardsToCola and #GamecockBound trending regionally.
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🕰️ The Road Ahead
Class of 2026: Edwards will join a recruiting class that rivals any in recent memory—bringing the total number of elite recruits in her class to at least four.
Immediate Expectations: Once on campus, she’s expected to compete for minutes early—even as a freshman—thanks to her readiness and basketball maturity.
NIL & Branding Potential: With a rising NIL equity and national attention, Edwards stands to make a splash both on and off the court—raising the profile of women’s basketball along the way.
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🌐 Final Take
Oliviyah Edwards’ commitment isn’t just a single signing—it’s a statement that South Carolina under Dawn Staley is the premier destination for elite future dynasties.
From WNBA hopes to NIL visibility to collegiate excellence, Edwards is a transformative addition—and the momentum already at Colonial Life Arena suggests this story is only beginnin
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**Gamecock Nation—brace yourselves. A historic era just got turbocharged.**
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